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"One of the most difficult decisions a person may make is
when to end an animal's life. Many of these decisions must be
made in very stressful and less-than-ideal situations. We hope
that this booklet can help make that decision the best one
possible for both the animal and the owner. With a true
appreciation of life comes the responsibility of ensuring a
humane death."

—Pam Hullinger, DVM, and Carolyn Stull,
PhD

Introduction

Catastrophic accidents and illness affecting animals can happen at any
time. This may necessitate that an animal's life be ended humanely. This
guide is designed to aid owners, producers, auction market employees,
livestock transporters, and law enforcement officers in making the
appropriate decisions regarding the emergency euthanasia of sheep and
goats. It is always best to seek assistance from a veterinarian when
considering euthanasia. However, in some circumstances a veterinarian may
not be read ily available. It will be in the animal's best interest to
provide a swift and humane death to prevent or minimize suffering. These
guidelines are a summary of the current, best practices known for
providing a humane death for sheep and goats in the absence of a
veterinarian.

Situations that may require emergency euthanasia:

•

Road accidents

•

Injuries in transit

•

Injuries in auction yards or sale barns

•

Severe injury or disease on the farm

•

Natural or man-made disasters (such as flood, fire or
earthquake)

There are three acceptable mechanisms for inducing emergency euthanasia in
sheep and goats:

•

Drugs that directly depress the central nervous
system (barbiturates, anesthetics). Overdoses lead to depression of the
respiratory centers (the animal stops breathing) and cardiac arrest (the
heart stops beating).

Euthanasia is defined as "the intentional causing of a
painless and easy death to a patient suffering from an incurable or
painful disease."

Webster's II University Dictionary, 1996

The Euthanasia Decision

Emergency euthanasia should be performed when there will be an unacceptable
delay in treating the condition, the source of the pain or disease is incurable,
or when transportation of the animal would significantly aggravate the
condition. There may be t imes when none of these situations are clearly
present. If you are in doubt, contact a veterinarian; however, if you can not
obtain veterinary assistance, the following are some examples of situations that
indicate euthanasia may be necessary to end exc essive suffering:

•

Violent or self-destructive thrashing (Is the
animal a hazard to itself or others?)

•

Evidence of severe shock (animal is unconscious)

•

Exposed abdominal organs

•

Open fractures of a long bone (leg bones below the shoulder
or the hip)

Location

When practical, choose a location where the carcass can be easily reached by
removal equipment. Remember not to cause any further pain or unnecessary
suffering in this handling process.

Considerations in the Selection of a Euthanasia Method

The following information should be considered when choosing the
appropriate method of euthanasia:

Human SafetyThe method should not put anyone at unnecessary
risk. Ricochet of a bullet and/or the unpredictability of a falling or
thrashing animal should be considered.

Animal WelfareAll methods of euthanasia should produce a
quick and painless death. However, certain environments or animal
behaviors may prevent the use of a specific method.

RestraintEach method requires a differing amount of
restraint. For example, administration of barbiturate or use of a captive
bolt gun requires physical contact with the animal, whereas a firearm does
not.

PracticalityThe euthanasia method selected must be practical
in the emergency situation that currently exists. For example, the
necessary equipment must be readily available, and one must realize that
barbiturates are only available to licensed veterinarians.

AestheticsSome methods of euthanasia "appear" less
objectionable to the untrained eye. Most methods will result in some
exaggerated muscular activity (e.g., leg movements and twitching) even
when the animal is not experiencing any pain or distress.

Summary of Sheep and Goat Euthanasia Methods

Method

Human Safety

Animal Welfare

Skill

Required Cost

Aesthetics

Considerations

Gunshot

Moderate; firearm laws apply

Good

Moderate; correct placement essential

Low; after initial purchase

Fair; some blood and body movement

Distance from animal can be maintained

Penetrating Captive Bolt Gun

Good

Good

Moderate; correct placement essential

Low; after initial purchase

Fair; some blood and body movement

Contact with animal required

Barbiturate Overdose

Good

Excellent

Moderate; intravenous injections required

High

Good

Drug only available to licensed veterinarian

Exsanguination

Fair

Good; animal must already be unconscious

Moderate

Low

Poor; very bloody

Not sole method of euthanasia

Electrocution

Moderate to poor

Good; only if specialized equipment is used

Moderate

Low; after initial purchase

Fair; some body movement

Electricity required

All methods require proper operator training, appropriate equipment, and good
restraint. When all these factors are maximized, the risk of injury to the
operator is minimized.

Details of Euthanasia Methods

Gunshot

A .22-caliber long rifle, 9mm or .38-caliber gun can be used. The muzzle of
the gun should be held at least 4 to 10 inches (10-25 cm) away from the skull
when fired. The use of hollow-point or soft-nose bullets will increase brain
tissue destruction an d reduce the chance of ricochet. When performed
skillfully, euthanasia by gunshot induces immediate unconsciousness, is
inexpensive, and does not require close contact with the animal. All humans and
other animals should remain well out of the line of fire.

This method should only be attempted by individuals trained in the use of
firearms and who understand the potential for ricochet. Care must be taken to
minimize danger to the operator, observers, and other animals. Personnel must
comply with all laws a nd regulations governing the possession and use of
firearms. Be aware that firearm laws vary depending on state and local
regulations.

Penetrating Captive Bolt Gun

When properly used, the penetrating
captive bolt gun produces immediate brain tissue destruction that kills the
animal. Captive bolts are powered by gunpowder, thus the selection of the
cartridge strength should be appropriate for the size of the animal (i.e., adult
vs. kids or lambs). Cartridge strength varies, so be sure to follow the
manufacturer's recommendations. The penetrating captive bolt gun should be
placed very firmly against the skull at the same location previously described
for gunshot. Animals must be adequately restrained to ensure proper placement of
the captive bolt.

Maintenance and cleaning of the penetrating captive bolt gun, as described by
the manufacturer, must be followed to ensure proper operation.

Polled (hornless)
Sheep

The proper site
is either:(A) on midline, at the highest point of the head, aiming
straight down toward the angle of the jaw, or(B) on midline, in the
middle of the forehead, just above the level of the eyes, aiming down
along the angle of the neck.

Horned Sheep

The proper site
is either:(B) on midline, in the middle of the forehead, just above
the level of the eyes, aiming down along the angle of the neck, or (C) on
midline, just behind the bony ridge between the horns, aimed toward the
back of the chin.

Goats

The proper site
is:(D) on midline, just behind the bony ridge where the horns
protrude, aimed toward the back of the chin. Note: Kids (less than 4
months of age) may be shot from the front as for sheep
(B).

Barbiturate Overdose

When properly administered by the intravenous route, barbiturate overdose
(sodium pentobarbital) depresses the central nervous system, causing deep
anesthesia that results in respiratory and cardiac arrest. This method of
euthanasia results in minimal p ain (needle puncture) sensation. Barbiturate
overdose is less disturbing to observers (i.e., more aesthetically acceptable)
but also more expensive than other options. It is also illegal for a
non-veterinarian to possess injectable euthanasia produc ts.

After barbiturate overdose, the carcass of the animal will be unfit for human
or animal consumption. Keep in mind that house pets and wildlife that ingest
portions of the carcass can be poisoned.

Exsanguination (massive blood loss)

This method can be used to ensure death immediately following stunning,
induction of anesthesia, or unconsciousness. Because severe anxiety is
associated with the hypoxia (lack of oxygen) caused by exsanguination, it must
not be used as the sole method of euthanasia. The most common method is to
lacerate the carotid arteries and jugular veins on both sides of the neck. A
long, sharp knife is fully inserted in the upper one third of the neck behind
the angle of the jaw and directed toward the spinal c olumn through the trachea,
until bone is contacted. Successful severance of the carotids can be recognized
by freely flowing, pulsing blood. This procedure is very disturbing to observers
due to the large volume of blood loss.

Electrocution

Properly conducted electrocution induces immediate unconsciousness and death
by cardiac arrest. One electrode is placed on either the forehead or in the
hollow behind the ear and the other electrode is placed on the back or side of
the body. "Head-only " electric stunning devices result in a reversible
unconsciousness and should not be used as the sole means of euthanasia. For
humane and safety reasons, only a commercially designed device should be used.
Proper restraint equipment is required to corr ectly position the electrodes.
Because electricity and specialized equipment are necessary, this method is
practical in a very limited number of emergency situations.

Confirmation of Death

Confirmation of death is essential. Immediately following the
euthanasia method, a standing animal should collapse and may experience a period
of muscle contraction (usually no longer than 20 seconds). This will be followed
by a period of relaxa tion and some poorly coordinated kicking or paddling
movements. The pupils of the eyes should be totally dilated. The animal must be
monitored for five minutes to confirm death. Death may be confirmed by the
absence of breathing, a heartbeat, and a co rneal reflex (blinking response). To
check a corneal reflex, touch the animal's cornea (surface of the eye); there
should be no response to the touch if the animal is deceased. The presence of
any eye movement or blinking at this time is evidence of su stained or
recovering brain activity and the individual should repeat the same or an
alternative euthanasia procedure.

Unacceptable Methods of Sheep &
Goat Euthanasia

Ethical and humane standards of euthanasia DO NOT permit the following
methods of euthanasia for sheep and goats:

• Air embolism (e.g., the injection of a large amount of air into the
circulatory system).

• Electrocution with a 120-volt electrical cord.

Carcass Disposal

Animal carcasses should be disposed of promptly by a commercial rendering
service or other appropriate means (on-farm burial, incineration, direct haul to
a solid waste land fill). Disposal should be in accordance with all federal,
state, and local regu lations.

Euthanasia Plan

Owners and producers should work with their veterinarian to determine which
methods of euthanasia might be suitable in their management system. It is
advisable to post the written emergency euthanasia plan in a centralized area as
a guideline for the hu mane destruction of animals on the premises. The plan
should be reviewed with new employees.